Biologist Testifies Talc Found in Dying Woman’s Lungs

January 21, 2019 — A biologist testified that particles of talcum powder were found in the lungs of a woman who is dying of mesothelioma, according to Law360.

The biologist, Ronald F. Dodson, took the stand on the 4th day of trial in Oakland, California, on behalf of a woman who used Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder with asbestos-contaminated talc for years.

Dodson said he found talc in her lung tissue, and it makes sense that she would have talc in her body from using J&J’s Baby Powder products every day for years.

Leavitt stopped using baby powder 20 years ago, but Dodson said her lung tissue could still have talc particles. He said once talc is inhaled, it can get “translocated” into the lymph system, where it is stored.

The woman, Teresa E. Leavitt, alleged that J&J and multiple mining companies knew about asbestos contamination in the talc mines.

Her lawyers accuse J&J of failing to warn consumers about the cancer risks of talcum powder or replace the talc with less-toxic cornstarch.

The lawsuit is In RE: Leavitt v. Johnson & Johnson — Case No. RG17882401 in the Superior Court of the state of California (Alameda County).

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